Tennessee defensive lineman Greg Emerson (90) reacts to the game during the Belk College Kickoff between Tennessee and West Virginia at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, September 1, 2018.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tennessee opened the Jeremy Pruitt era on Saturday against West Virginia, giving the Vols their first chance to erase last year's 4-8 season.

It wasn't an ideal start, as the West Virginia offense aired it out on the Tennessee defense and the Vols fell in Week 1.

Here are the grades for the UT offense, defense, special teams and coaches in Tennessee's 40-14 loss to the Mountaineers.

Offense

If the first drive of the game gave any Vols fans vivid, scary flashbacks to last season, it was understandable. Tennessee opened the game poorly, losing 15 yards on its opening drive. The offensive line was exceptionally poor early.

But the second quarter showed what this Tennessee offense could turn into in time. Jarrett Guarantano settled in nicely, showing a strong arm and poise — when he finally got time to throw. Running back Tim Jordan was the brightest spot of all, asserting himself and providing the Vols the balance they never really had last year.

Tennessee’s two best drives — both touchdowns— featured heavy doses of both Guarantano and Jordan. The offensive line also played much better after a rocky start.

Jauan Jennings had a strong return, while Marquez Callaway and Josh Palmer made plays for the Vols in the passing game.

But as many bright spots as the Vols had, they needed to score more points. UT had a great scoring chance in the fourth quarter after an excellent drive from Guarantano, but couldn’t score. Fourteen points won't get a win too often.

Grade: B-minus

Defense

Tennessee’s defense — like its offense — was at its best in the second quarter. The Vols held WVU to 56 yards in that segment.

The rest? Not so pretty, especially in the third quarter after a long weather delay. WVU quarterback Will Grier picked apart the Vols then to the tune of three touchdowns and 156 yards. He finished with five touchdown passes and 429 yards. Stopping Grier always was going to be an issue for the Vols. But they didn’t execute often, missing tackles and leaving big running lanes for WVU running back Martell Pettaway.

There’s no doubt the UT defense is a work in progress in many ways and it certainly is inexperienced in the secondary. But self-inflicted issues were concerning and costly Saturday. Micah Abernathy missed a key tackle that led to a 59-yard touchdown, and freshman Bryce Thompson whiffed on a quick slant that resulted in a 30-yard gain on third down can’t happen.

Basically, the matchup between West Virginia’s offense and Tennessee’s defense went as expected. And it was not good for the Vols.

Grade: D

Special teams

The punting situation was unsettled for Tennessee going into Saturday. It appears settled now. Redshirt freshman Joe Doyle booted six times without any shanked punts or issues.

The new kickoff rule was something to watch to start the season. UT and WVU largely took advantage of fair catching the ball and taking it to the 25. It paid off, as the Vols averaged 15 yards on the two kickoffs they did return.

Tennessee had a gaffe in the fourth, jumping offsides on a field-goal attempt, which led to a WVU touchdown.

Grade: C

Tennessee Head Coach Jeremy Pruitt leaves the field after their 40-14 loss to West Virginia in the Belk College Kickoff game in Charlotte, NC Saturday, September 1, 2018.

Coaching

Pruitt played the quarterback situation quietly throughout the preseason. But the answer always appeared to be Guarantano, who had the best arm and was visibly a better player than last season. The Vols smartly went with the sophomore and stuck with him after an iffy start overall for the offense.

He rewarded them with some positive flashes. It was the right call this week and it should be Guarantano’s show moving forward — unless he shows otherwise.

A big moment early came when the Vols went for it on fourth-and-goal in the second quarter. Pruitt never hesitated, waving Guarantano back onto the field. UT scored its first touchdown of the year as a result and the play call — play-action to tight end Dominick Wood-Anderson — also was well done.

Facing an explosive West Virginia offense was a tough matchup for the Vols, but the new coaching staff had a decent debut.

Grade: B-minus

Vols game ball

Tim Jordan

Offensive coordinator Tyson Helton said it didn’t matter who started at running back for UT and that multiple backs would play. Enter Jordan, who did not start, but took advantage of his opportunities. He rushed 20 times for 118 yards and a touchdown.

The 5-foot-11, 203-pound running back was largely the offense for the Vols. If anything was learned Saturday, it’s that UT may have found a steady force at running back.

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Tennessee tight end Dominick Wood-Anderson (4) scores a touchdown during first half action against the West Virginia Mourtaineers in the Belk College Kickoff game in Charlotte, NC Saturday, September 1, 2018.

West Virginia running back Martell Pettaway (32) tries to escape the Tennessee defense during the Belk College Kickoff between Tennessee and West Virginia at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, September 1, 2018.